Washington state says marijuana brownies OK, but no lollipops

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Marijuana stores in Washington state can sell marijuana in cookies, brownies and other approved baked goods but cannot put the drug in candies, lollipops or food items that might appeal to children, according to newly released rules.

Washington became the second U.S. state to allow recreational sales of marijuana to adults on July 8 when its first retail stores opened under a heavily regulated and taxed system approved by voters in 2012.

The state's Liquor Control Board, which regulates the fledgling sector, published the guidelines on Wednesday for the packaging and labeling of marijuana edibles.

It prohibited any products, labels or packaging designed to be especially appealing to children, including lollipops and suckers, gummy candy and jelly beans.

To gain approval to market a pot-laced food item, such as brownies or bottled drinks, a processor must submit a photo of the product along with its labels and packaging.

The edible also has to pass a processing facility inspection and must be clearly labeled as containing marijuana. Edibles also must be tested for potency and to ensure that the marijuana derivatives are spread evenly throughout the products.

Washington's move to allow recreational sales comes amid a broader trend of liberalization taking hold in many parts of the United States. Recreational sales began in Colorado on Jan. 1.